Shared groups rostering system

ABSTRACT

Systems and techniques for sharing information among members of a group. Information about all current members of a group is stored. Instructions are received from at least one current member to invite at least one prospective member to join the group and the invitation to join the group is sent to the prospective member. In the event that an affirmative response is received, the prospective member is added to the current members of the group and automatically updated services are provided to current members of the group.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/246,191, filed Oct. 6, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,103,729 (nowallowed), which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/810,625, filed Mar. 19, 2001 (abandoned), which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/189,973, filed Mar. 17, 2000, all ofwhich are expressly incorporated herein by reference to theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to transferring data betweensubscribers of a communications system and more particularly to sharinginformation among members of a group.

BACKGROUND

Online service providers are constantly offering new services andupgrading existing services to enhance their subscribers' onlineexperience. Subscribers have on-demand access to news, weather,financial, sports, and entertainment services as well as the ability totransmit electronic messages and to participate in online discussiongroups. For example, subscribers of online service providers such asAmerica Online or CompuServe may view and retrieve information on a widevariety of topics from servers located throughout the world. A servermay be maintained by the service provider or by a third party providerwho makes information and services available through the worldwidenetwork of computers that make up the online service.

America Online has provided subscribers with the ability to send andreceive instant messages. Instant messages are private onlineconversations between two or more people who have subscribed to theinstant messaging service and have installed the necessary software.Because such online conversations virtually take place in real time,instant messaging can provide immediate access to desired information.Instant messaging is becoming a preferred means of communicating amongonline subscribers.

Subscribers may at times encounter more complexity than they would like,which may lead to a frustrating experience online. Moreover, somesubscribers may at times feel isolated in the online community. This isespecially likely to occur for inexperienced subscribers. For example,it may be difficult to share information among members of a group suchas, for example, a family. Tasks such as sharing an instant messagebuddy list, updating a shared address book, or updating a sharedcalendar may be time consuming, tedious, or intimidating to somesubscribers.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, information is shared among members of a group bystoring information about all current members of the group, receivinginstructions from a group member inviting a prospective member to jointhe group, sending an invitation to the prospective member, receiving aresponse from the prospective member, adding the prospective member tothe group when the response is positive, and providing automaticallyupdated services to current group members.

Implementations may include sending the invitation by an e-mail message,an instant message, or in an on-line chat room. Implementations also mayinclude receiving the response by an e-mail message, an instant message,or in an on-line chat room. The automatically updated services mayinclude, for example, providing a list of current group members, sharinginformation in an address book, sharing information in a calendar,providing an online forum for current group members to chat with othergroup members, sending instant messages from a current group member toother current group members, sharing data files among current groupmembers, sharing a buddy list among current group members, and offeringnew services to current group members. The shared information may beupdated based upon information entered by the current group members. Inthe shared address book, the information shared may include, forexample, a name, an address (either personal or business), an emailaddress, an instant message user identifier, a screen name, and atelephone number. In the shared calendar, the shared information mayinclude, for example, a date, an appointment, an anniversary, abirthday, a holiday, and an invitation for other current group membersto attend an event. For the shared data files, implementations mayinclude sharing, for example, digital images such as photographs, textfiles, or multimedia files.

In another general aspect, a communication system shares informationamong members of a group through a group administrator which processesinformation about current group members, a group communicator thatdelivers and exchanges information with both current and prospectivegroup members, and a group information updater that providesautomatically updated services to current group members.

Implementations may include, for example, a group administrator that hasa group member profile server to update information about the groupmembers and a database to store data about the group members.Implementations also may include, for example, a group communicator thathas an instant message host complex and a login server to communicatewith a client system and determine whether the client is authorized toaccess the instant message host complex. The instant message hostcomplex may include an instant message server to send and receive data,a domain server to provide supporting functions, and a routing gateway.

A group communicator also may have an OSP host complex and login serverto communicate with a client system and determine whether the client isauthorized to access the OSP host complex. The OSP host complex mayinclude an OSP server to send and receive data.

The group information updater may have a user interface to communicateand exchange data with group members, receive updated information fromthe user interface, and automatically provide updated services to groupmembers. The user interface may reside, for example, on an instantmessage complex, an OSP host complex, or on the Internet.

In another general aspect, a graphical user interface (UI) may be usedto invite prospective members to join the group. The UI may include aninvitation message, the group name, a list of current group members, anda tool that allows the prospective member to respond to the invitation.

These and other general aspects may be implemented by an apparatusand/or by a computer program stored on a computer readable medium. Thecomputer readable medium may comprise a disc, a client device, a hostdevice, and/or a propagated signal.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the followingdescription, including the drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications system.

FIGS. 2-5 are expansions of the block diagram of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a communications system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a communications method implemented by the systemof FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a screen shot of a user interface of the system of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1-5 describe a communications systemfor implementing techniques for transferring electronic data. Forbrevity, several elements in the figures described below are representedas monolithic entities. However, as would be understood by one skilledin the art, these elements each may include numerous interconnectedcomputers and components designed to perform a set of specifiedoperations and/or dedicated to a particular geographical region.

Referring to FIG. 1, a communications system 100 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging data between a client system 105 and a hostsystem 110 through a communications link 115. The client system 105typically includes one or more client devices 120 and/or clientcontrollers 125. For example, the client system 105 may include one ormore general-purpose computers (e.g., personal computers), one or morespecial-purpose computers (e.g., devices specifically programmed tocommunicate with each other and/or the host system 110), or acombination of one or more general-purpose computers and one or morespecial-purpose computers. The client system 105 may be arranged tooperate within or in concert with one or more other systems, such as forexample, one or more LANs (“Local Area Networks”) and/or one or moreWANs (“Wide Area Networks”).

In general, the client device 120 is capable of executing instructionsunder the command of a client controller 125. The client device 120 isconnected to the client controller 125 by a wired or wireless datapathway 130 capable of delivering data.

The client device 120 and the client controller 125 each typicallyincludes one or more hardware components and/or software components. Anexample of a client device 120 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., apersonal computer) capable of responding to and executing instructionsin a defined manner. Other examples include a special-purpose computer,a workstation, a server, a device, a component, other equipment, or somecombination of these elements that is capable of responding to andexecuting instructions. An example of a client controller 125 is asoftware application loaded on the client device 120 for commanding anddirecting communications enabled by the client device 120. Otherexamples include a program, a piece of code, an instruction, a device, acomputer, a computer system, or a combination of these elements that iscapable of independently or collectively instructing the client device120 to interact and operate as described herein. The client controller125 may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine,component, equipment, storage medium, or propagated signal capable ofproviding instructions to the client device 120.

The communications link 115 typically includes a delivery network 160making a direct or indirect communication between the client system 105and the host system 110, irrespective of physical separation. Examplesof a delivery network 160 include the Internet, the World Wide Web,WANs, LANs, analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks(e.g. PSTN, ISDN, or xDSL), radio, television, cable, satellite, and/orany other delivery mechanism for carrying data. The communications link115 may include communication pathways 150, 155 that enablecommunications through the one or more delivery networks 160 describedabove. Each of the communication pathways 150, 155 may include, forexample, a wired, wireless, cable or satellite communication pathway.

The host system 110 includes a host device 135 capable of executinginstructions under the command and direction of a host controller 140.The host device 135 is connected to the host controller 140 by a wiredor wireless data pathway 145 capable of carrying and delivering data.

The host system 110 typically includes one or more host devices 135and/or host controllers 140. For example, the host system 110 mayinclude one or more general-purpose computers (e.g., personalcomputers), one or more special-purpose computers (e.g., devicesspecifically programmed to communicate with each other and/or the clientsystem 105), or a combination of one or more general-purpose computersand one or more special-purpose computers. The host system 110 may bearranged to operate within or in concert with one or more other systems,such as, for example, one or more LANs (“Local Area Networks”) and/orone or more WANs (“Wide Area Networks”).

The host device 135 and the host controller 140 each typically includesone or more hardware components and/or software components. An exampleof a host device 135 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personalcomputer) capable of responding to and executing instructions in adefined manner. Other examples include a special-purpose computer, aworkstation, a server, a device, a component, other equipment, or somecombination of these elements that is capable of responding to andexecuting instructions. An example of host controller 140 is a softwareapplication loaded on the host device 135 for commanding and directingcommunications enabled by the host device 135. Other examples include aprogram, a piece of code, an instruction, a device, a computer, acomputer system, or a combination of these elements that is capable ofindependently or collectively instructing the host device 135 tointeract and operate as described herein. The host controller 140 may beembodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component,equipment, storage medium, or propagated signal capable of providinginstructions to the host device 135.

FIG. 2 illustrates a communication system 200 including a client system205 communicating with a host system 210 through a communications link215. Client system 205 typically includes one or more client devices 220and one or more client controllers 225 for controlling the clientdevices 220. Host system 210 typically includes one or more host devices235 and one or more host controllers 240 for controlling the hostdevices 235. The communications link 215 may include communicationpathways 250, 255 enabling communications through the one or moredelivery networks 260.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 2 arebroadly described above with respect to FIG. 1. In particular, the hostsystem 210 and communications link 215 typically have attributescomparable to those described with respect to host system 110 andcommunications link 115 of FIG. 1. Likewise, the client system 205 ofFIG. 2 typically has attributes comparable to the client system 105 ofFIG. 1 and illustrates one possible implementation of that system.

The client device 220 typically includes a general purpose computer 270having an internal or external storage 272 for storing data and programssuch as an operating system 274 (e.g., DOS, Windows™, Windows 95™,Windows 98™, Windows 2000™, Windows NT™, OS/2, or Linux) and one or moreapplication programs. Examples of application programs include authoringapplications 276 (e.g., word processing, database programs, spreadsheetprograms, or graphics programs) capable of generating documents or otherelectronic content; client applications 278 (e.g., AOL client,CompuServe client, AIM client, AOL TV client, or an ISP client) capableof communicating with other computer users, accessing various computerresources, and viewing, creating, or otherwise manipulating electroniccontent; and browser applications 280 (e.g., Netscape's Navigator orMicrosoft's Internet Explorer) capable of rendering standard Internetcontent.

The general-purpose computer 270 also includes a central processing unit282 (CPU) for executing instructions in response to commands from theclient controller 225. In one implementation, the client controller 225includes one or more of the application programs installed on theinternal or external storage 272 of the general-purpose computer 270. Inanother implementation, the client controller 225 includes applicationprograms externally stored in and performed by one or more device(s)external to the general-purpose computer 270.

The general-purpose computer typically includes a communication device284 for sending and receiving data. One example of the communicationdevice 284 is a modem. Other examples include a transceiver, a set-topbox, a communication card, a satellite dish, an antenna, or anothernetwork adapter capable of transmitting and receiving data over thecommunications link 215 through a wired or wireless data pathway 250.The general-purpose computer 270 also may include a TV (“television”)tuner 286 for receiving television programming in the form of broadcast,satellite, and/or cable TV signals. As a result, the client device 220can selectively and/or simultaneously display network content receivedby communications device 284 and television programming content receivedby the TV tuner 286.

The general-purpose computer 270 typically will include an input/outputinterface 288 for wired or wireless connection to various peripheraldevices 290. Examples of peripheral devices 290 include, but are notlimited to, a mouse 291, a mobile phone 292, a personal digitalassistant 293 (PDA), a keyboard 294, a display monitor 295 with orwithout a touch screen input, a TV remote control 296 for receivinginformation from and rendering information to subscribers, and a videoinput device 298.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates devices such as a mobile telephone 292, aPDA 293, and a TV remote control 296 as being peripheral with respect tothe general-purpose computer 270, in another implementation, suchdevices may themselves include the functionality of the general-purposecomputer 270 and operate as the client device 220. For example, themobile phone 292 or the PDA 293 may include computing and networkingcapabilities and function as a client device 220 by accessing thedelivery network 260 and communicating with the host system 210.Furthermore, the client system 205 may include one, some or all of thecomponents and devices described above.

Referring to FIG. 3, a communications system 300 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 305 and ahost system 310 through a communication link 315. Client system 305typically includes one or more client devices 320 and one or more clientcontrollers 325 for controlling the client devices 320. Host system 310typically includes one or more host devices 335 and one or more hostcontrollers 340 for controlling the host devices 335. The communicationslink 315 may include communication pathways 350, 355 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 360.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 3 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular,the client system 305 and the communications link 315 typically haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105 and 205 and communications links 115 and 215 of FIGS. 1 and 2.Likewise, the host system 310 of FIG. 3 may have attributes comparableto the host systems 110 and 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively andillustrates one possible implementation of those systems.

The host system 310 includes a host device 335 and a host controller340. In general, the host controller 340 is capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 335. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 340 includes one ormore software applications loaded on the host device 335. However, inother implementations, as described above, the host controller 340 mayinclude any of several other programs, machines, and devices operatingindependently or collectively to control the host device 335.

The host device 335 includes a login server 370 for enabling access bysubscribers and routing communications between the client system 305 andother elements of the host device 335. The host device 335 also includesvarious host complexes such as the depicted OSP (“Online ServiceProvider”) host complex 380 and IM (“Instant Messaging”) host complex390. To enable access to these host complexes by subscribers, the clientsystem 305 includes communication software, such as for example, an OSPclient application and an IM client application. The OSP and IMcommunication software applications are designed to facilitate thesubscriber's interactions with the respective services and, inparticular, may provide access to all the services available within therespective host complexes.

Typically, the OSP host complex 380 supports different services, such asemail, discussion groups, chat, news services, and Internet access. TheOSP host complex 380 is generally designed with an architecture thatenables the machines within the OSP host complex 380 to communicate witheach other and employs certain protocols (i.e., standards, formats,conventions, rules, and structures) to transfer data. The OSP hostcomplex 380 ordinarily employs one or more OSP protocols and customdialing engines to enable access by selected client applications. TheOSP host complex 380 may define one or more specific protocols for eachservice based on a common, underlying proprietary protocol.

In general, the IM host complex 390 is independent of the OSP hostcomplex 380 and supports instant messaging services irrespective of asubscriber's network or Internet access. Thus, the IM host complex 390allows subscribers to send and receive instant messages, regardless ofwhether they have access to any particular ISP. The IM host complex 390may support associated services, such as administrative matters,advertising, directory services, chat, and interest groups related tothe instant messaging. The IM host complex 390 has an architecture thatenables all of the machines within the IM host complex to communicatewith each other. To transfer data, the IM host complex 390 employs oneor more standard or exclusive IM protocols.

The host device 335 may include one or more gateways that connect andtherefore link complexes, such as the OSP host complex gateway 385 andthe IM host complex gateway 395. The OSP host complex gateway 385 andthe IM host complex 395 gateway may directly or indirectly link the OSPhost complex 380 with the IM host complex 390 through a wired orwireless pathway. Ordinarily, when used to facilitate a link betweencomplexes, the OSP host complex gateway 385 and the IM host complexgateway 395 are privy to information regarding the protocol typeanticipated by a destination complex, which enables any necessaryprotocol conversion to be performed incident to the transfer of datafrom one complex to another. For instance, the OSP host complex 380 andIM host complex 390 generally use different protocols such thattransferring data between the complexes requires protocol conversion byor at the request of the OSP host complex gateway 385 and/or the IM hostcomplex gateway 395.

Referring to FIG. 4, a communications system 400 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 405 and ahost system 410 through a communication link 415. Client system 405typically includes one or more client devices 420 and one or more clientcontrollers 425 for controlling the client devices 420. Host system 410typically includes one or more host devices 435 and one or more hostcontrollers 440 for controlling the host devices 435. The communicationslink 415 may include communication pathways 450, 455 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 460. As shown,the client system 405 may access the Internet 465 through the hostsystem 410.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 4 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. In particular, theclient system 405 and the communications link 415 typically haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105, 205, and 305 and communications links 115, 215, and 315 of FIGS.1-3. Likewise, the host system 410 of FIG. 4 may have attributescomparable to the host systems 110, 210, and 310 and illustrates onepossible implementation of those systems. FIG. 4 describes an aspect ofthe host system 410, focusing primarily on one particular implementationof OSP host complex 480. In general, for purposes of communicating withan OSP host complex 480, the delivery network 460 is a telephonenetwork.

The client system 405 includes a client device 420 and a clientcontroller 425. The client controller 425 is capable of establishing aconnection to the host system 410, including the OSP host complex 480,the IM host complex 490 and/or the Internet 465. In one implementation,the client controller 425 includes an OSP application for communicatingwith sewers in the OSP host complex 480 using exclusive OSP protocols.The client controller 425 also may include applications, such as an IMclient application, and/or an Internet browser application, forcommunicating with the IM host complex 490 and the Internet 465.

The host system 410 includes a host device 435 and a host controller440. The host controller 440 is capable of transmitting instructions toany or all of the elements of the host device 435. For example, in oneimplementation, the host controller 440 includes one or more softwareapplications loaded on one or more elements of the host device 435.However, in other implementations, as described above, the hostcontroller 440 may include any of several other programs, machines, anddevices operating independently or collectively to control the hostdevice 435.

The host system 410 includes a login server 470 capable of enablingcommunications with and authorizing access by client systems 405 tovarious elements of the host system 410, including an OSP host complex480 and an IM host complex 490. The login sewer 470 may implement one ormore authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to the OSPhost complex 480 and the IM host complex 490. The OSP host complex 480and the IM host complex 490 are connected through one or more OSP hostcomplex gateways 485 and one or more al host complex gateways 495. EachOSP host complex gateway 485 and IM host complex gateway 495 may performany protocol conversions necessary to enable communication between theOSP host complex 480, the IM host complex 490, and the Internet 465.

The OSP host complex 480 supports a set of services from one or moreservers located internal to and external from the OSP host complex 480.Servers external to the OSP host complex 480 may be viewed as existingon the Internet 465. Servers internal to the OSP complex 480 may bearranged in one or more configurations. For example, servers may bearranged in centralized or localized clusters in order to distributeservers and subscribers within the OSP host complex 480.

In the implementation of FIG. 4, the OSP host complex 480 includes arouting processor 4802. In general, the routing processor 4802 willexamine an address field of a data request, use a mapping table todetermine the appropriate destination for the data request, and directthe data request to the appropriate destination. In a packet-basedimplementation, the client system 405 may generate information requests,convert the requests into data packets, sequence the data packets,perform error checking and other packet-switching techniques, andtransmit the data packets to the routing processor 4802. Upon receivingdata packets from the client system 405, the routing processor 4802 maydirectly or indirectly route the data packets to a specified destinationwithin or outside of the OSP host complex 480. For example, in the eventthat a data request from the client system 405 can be satisfied locally,the routing processor 4802 may direct the data request to a local server4804. In the event that the data request cannot be satisfied locally,the routing processor 4802 may direct the data request externally to theInternet 465 or the IM host complex 490 through the gateway 485.

The OSP host complex 480 also includes a proxy server 4806 for directingdata requests and/or otherwise facilitating communication between theclient system 405 and the Internet 465. The proxy server 4802 mayinclude an IP (“Internet Protocol”) tunnel for converting data from OSPprotocol into standard Internet protocol and transmitting the data tothe Internet 465. The IP tunnel also converts data received from theInternet in the standard Internet protocol back into the OSP protocoland sends the converted data to the routing processor 4802 for deliveryback to the client system 405.

The proxy server 4806 also may allow the client system 405 to usestandard Internet protocols and formatting to access the OSP hostcomplex 480 and the Internet 465. For example, the subscriber can use anOSP TV client application having an embedded browser applicationinstalled on the client system 405 to generate a request in standardInternet protocol, such as HTTP (“HyperText Transport Protocol”). In apacket-based implementation, data packets may be encapsulated inside astandard Internet tunneling protocol, such as, for example, UDP (“UserDatagram Protocol”) and routed to the proxy server 4806. The proxyserver 4806 may include a L2TP (“Layer Two Tunneling Protocol”) tunnelcapable of establishing a point-to-point protocol (PPP) session with theclient system 405.

The proxy server 4806 also may act as a buffer between the client system405 and the Internet 465, and may implement content filtering and timesaving techniques. For example, the proxy server 4806 can check parentalcontrol settings of the client system 405 and request and transmitcontent from the Internet 465 according to the parental controlsettings. In addition, the proxy server 4806 may include one or morecaches for storing frequently accessed information. If requested data isdetermined to be stored in the caches, the proxy server 4806 may sendthe information to the client system 405 from the caches and avoid theneed to access the Internet 465.

Referring to FIG. 5, a communications system 500 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 505 and ahost system 510 through a communication link 515. Client system 505typically includes one or more client devices 520 and one or more clientcontrollers 525 for controlling the client devices 520. Host system 510typically includes one or more host devices 535 and one or more hostcontrollers 540 for controlling the host devices 535. The communicationslink 515 may include communication pathways 550, 555 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 560. As shown,the client system 505 may access the Internet 565 through the hostsystem 510.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 5 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. In particular, theclient system 505 and the communications link 515 typically haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105, 205, 305, and 405 and communications links 115, 215, 315, and 415of FIGS. 1-4. Likewise, the host system 510 of FIG. 5 may haveattributes comparable to the host systems 110, 210, 310, and 410 shownin FIGS. 1-4, and illustrates one possible implementation of thosesystems. However, FIG. 5 describes an aspect of the host system 510,focusing primarily on one particular implementation of IM host complex590. In general for purposes of communicating with the IM host complex590, the delivery network 560 is a telephone network.

The client system 505 includes a client device 520 and a clientcontroller 525. The client controller 525 is capable of establishing aconnection to the host system 510, including the OSP host complex 580,the IM host complex 590 and/or the Internet 565. In one implementation,the client controller 525 includes an IM application for communicatingwith servers in the IM host complex 590 utilizing exclusive IMprotocols. The client controller 525 also may include applications, suchas an OSP client application, and/or an Internet browser application forcommunicating with the OSP host complex 580 and the Internet 565,respectively.

The host system 510 includes a host device 535 and a host controller540. The host controller 540 is generally capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 535. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 540 includes one ormore software applications loaded on one or more elements of the hostdevice 535. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller 540 may include any of several other programs, machines,and devices operating independently or collectively to control the hostdevice 535.

The host system 510 includes a login server 570 capable of enablingcommunications with and authorizing access by client systems 505 tovarious elements of the host system 510, including an OSP host complex580 and an IM host complex 590. The login server 570 may implement oneor more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex 580 and the IM host complex 590. The OSP host complex580 and the IM host complex 590 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways 585 and one or more IM host complex gateways 595.Each OSP host complex gateway 585 and IM host complex gateway 595 mayperform any protocol conversions necessary to enable communicationbetween the OSP host complex 580, the IM host complex 590, and theInternet 565.

To access the IM host complex 590 to begin an instant messaging session,the client system 505 establishes a connection to the login server 570.The login server 570 typically determines whether the particularsubscriber is authorized to access the IM host complex 590 by verifyinga subscriber identification and password. If the subscriber isauthorized to access the IM host complex 590, the login server 570employs a hashing technique on the subscriber's screen name to identifya particular IM server 5902 for use during the subscriber's session. Thelogin server 570 provides the client system 505 with the IP address ofthe particular IM server 5902, gives the client system 505 an encryptedkey (i.e., a cookie), and breaks the connection. The client system 505then uses the IP address to establish a connection to the particular IMserver 5902 through the communications link 515, and obtains access tothat IM server 5902 using the encrypted key. Typically, the clientsystem 505 will be equipped with a Winsock API (“Application ProgrammingInterface”) that enables the client system 505 to establish an open TCPconnection to the IM server 5902.

Once a connection to the IM server 5902 has been established, the clientsystem 505 may directly or indirectly transmit data to and accesscontent from the IM server 5902 and one or more associated domainservers 5904. The IM server 5902 supports the fundamental instantmessaging services and the domain servers 5904 may support associatedservices, such as, for example, administrative matters, directoryservices, chat and interest groups. In general, the purpose of thedomain servers 5904 is to lighten the load placed on the IM server 5902by assuming responsibility for some of the services within the IM hostcomplex 590. By accessing the IM server 5902 and/or the domain server5904, a subscriber can use the IM client application to view whetherparticular subscribers (“buddies”) are online, exchange instant messageswith particular subscribers, participate in group chat rooms, tradefiles such as pictures, invitations or documents, find other subscriberswith similar interests, get customized news and stock quotes, and searchthe Web.

In the implementation of FIG. 5, the IM server 5902 is directly orindirectly connected to a routing gateway 5906. The routing gateway 5906facilitates the connection between the IM server 5902 and one or morealert multiplexors 5908, for example, by serving as a link minimizationtool or hub to connect several IM servers to several alert multiplexors.In general, an alert multiplexor 5908 maintains a record of alerts andsubscribers registered to receive the alerts.

Once the client system 505 is connected to the alert multiplexor 5908, asubscriber can register for and/or receive one or more types of alerts.The connection pathway between the client system 505 and the alertmultiplexor 5908 is determined by employing another hashing technique atthe IM server 5902 to identify the particular alert multiplexor 5908 tobe used for the subscriber's session. Once the particular multiplexor5908 has been identified, the IM server 5902 provides the client system505 with the IP address of the particular alert multiplexor 5908 andgives the client system 505 an encrypted key (i.e., a cookie). Theclient system 505 then uses the IP address to connect to the particularalert multiplexor 5908 through the communication link 515 and obtainsaccess to the alert multiplexor 5908 using the encrypted key.

The alert multiplexor 5908 is connected to an alert gate 5910 that, likethe IM host complex gateway 595, is capable of performing the necessaryprotocol conversions to form a bridge to the OSP host complex 580. Thealert gate 5910 is the interface between the IM host complex 590 and thephysical servers, such as servers in the OSP host complex 580, wherestate changes are occurring. In general, the information regarding statechanges will be gathered and used by the IM host complex 590. However,the alert multiplexor 5908 also may communicate with the OSP hostcomplex 580 through the IM gateway 595, for example, to provide theservers and subscribers of the OSP host complex 580 with certaininformation gathered from the alert gate 5910.

The alert gate 5910 can detect an alert feed corresponding to aparticular type of alert. The alert gate 5910 may include a piece ofcode (alert receive code) capable of interacting with another piece ofcode (alert broadcast code) on the physical server where a state changeoccurs. In general, the alert receive code installed on the alert gate5910 instructs the alert broadcast code installed on the physical serverto send an alert feed to the alert gate 5910 upon the occurrence of aparticular state change. Upon detecting an alert feed, the alert gate5910 contacts the alert multiplexor 5908, which in turn, informs theclient system 505 of the detected alert feed.

In the implementation of FIG. 5, the IM host complex 590 also includes asubscriber profile server 5912 connected to a database 5914 for storinglarge amounts of subscriber profile data. The subscriber profile server5912 may be used to enter, retrieve, edit, manipulate, or otherwiseprocess subscriber profile data. In one implementation, a subscriber'sprofile data include, for example, the subscriber's buddy list, alertpreferences, designated stocks, identified interests, and geographiclocation. The subscriber may enter, edit and/or delete profile datausing an installed IM client application on the client system 505 tointeract with the subscriber profile server 5912.

Because the subscriber's data are stored in the IM host complex 590, thesubscriber does not have to reenter or update such information in theevent that the subscriber accesses the IM host complex 590 using new ora different client system 505. Accordingly, when a subscriber accessesthe IM host complex 590, the IM server 5902 can instruct the subscriberprofile server 5912 to retrieve the subscriber's profile data from thedatabase 5914 and to provide, for example, the subscriber's buddy listto the IM server 5902 and the subscriber's alert preferences to thealert multiplexor 5908. The subscriber profile server 5912 also maycommunicate with other servers in the OSP host complex 590 to sharesubscriber profile data with other services. Alternatively, user profiledata may be saved locally on the client device 505.

Referring to FIG. 6, a communications system 600 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 605 and ahost system 610 through a communication link 615. Client system 605typically includes one or more client devices 620 and one or more clientcontrollers 625 for controlling the client devices 620. Host system 610typically includes one or more host devices 635 and one or more hostcontrollers 640 for controlling the host devices 635. The communicationlink 615 may include one or more delivery networks 660. A network 660may be any known or described delivery network including, but notlimited to, a telephone network and/or the Internet. The communicationssystem 600 may be implemented as part of the communications systemdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 6 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. In particular, theclient system 605 and the communications link 615 typically haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105, 205, 305, 405, and 505 and communications links 115, 215, 315, 415,and 515 of FIGS. 1-5. Likewise, the host system 610 of FIG. 6 may haveattributes comparable to the host systems 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510shown in FIGS. 1-5 and may illustrate one possible implementation ofthose systems. However, FIG. 6 describes an aspect of the host system,focusing primarily on one particular implementation of the host device635.

The host system 610 includes a host device 635 and a host controller640. The host controller 640 is capable of transmitting instructions toany or all of the elements of the host device 635. For example, in oneimplementation, the host controller 640 includes one or more softwareapplications loaded on one or more elements of the host device 635.However, in other implementations, as described above, the hostcontroller 640 may include any of several other programs, machines, anddevices operating independently or collectively to control the hostdevice 635.

The host system 610 includes a login server 670 capable of enablingcommunications with and authorizing access by client systems 605 tovarious elements of the host system 610, including an OSP host complex680 and an IM host complex 690. The login server 670 may implement oneor more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex 680 and the IM host complex 690. The OSP host complex680 and the IM host complex 690 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways 685 and one or more IM host complex gateways 695.Each OSP host complex gateway 685 and IM host complex gateway 695 mayperform any protocol conversions necessary to enable communicationbetween the OSP host complex 680, the IM host complex 690, and theInternet 665.

In one implementation, the host system 635 includes one or more groupadministrators 6370 in communication with one or more groupcommunicators 6350. The group communicators 6350 are further incommunication with one or more group information updaters 6380. Eachgroup may have dedicated servers maintained locally on a particular hostcomplex or at a centralized location. As shown, the group communicator6350 and the group information updater 6380 exist on the OSP hostcomplex 680 and the group administrator 6370 exists on the IM hostcomplex 690. Other configurations, however, may be used in alternativeimplementations. For example, the functionality of the groupadministrator 6370, the group communicator 6350, and the groupinformation updater 6380 may reside on a single server or be distributedamong multiple servers.

The group communicator 6350 cooperates with the group administrator 6370and the group information updater 6380 and is configured to deliver andexchange information with current and prospective members of the group.In particular, the group communicator 6350 is configured to processinvitations from current members of the group to prospective members.Any of the current group members, as reflected in the groupadministrator's records, may use the group communicator 6350 to initiateor receive messages from a current or a prospective group member. Thegroup communicator 6350 may send and receive messages from current andprospective group members through an IM server 6902, the Internet 665,and/or other communications server 6360 (e.g., e-mail server, chatsever, OSP buddy server). Typically, the group information updater 6350will include a user interface configured to interact with client devicesof group members and facilitate information exchange. The user interfacemay, for example, allow group members to select and input information(e.g., new group, screen names of invited members) to the groupcommunicator 6350 and allow entered information (e.g., group membership,screen names of group members) to be extracted by the group communicator6350.

In one implementation, the group communicator 6350 communicates with anIM server 6902, the Internet 665, and/or other communications server6360. The group communicator 6350 is configured to permit access tovarious groups, and to route communications of group members to thecorrect servers for delivery to prospective members. The login sewer 670may assist the group communicator 6350 with authorizing access to thevarious groups.

The group administrator 6370 is configured to keep track of informationabout current group members and to provide automatically updatedservices to current group members. In one implementation, the groupadministrator 6370 includes a group member profile sever 6372 configuredto enter, update, retrieve, store, edit, manipulate, or otherwiseprocess information about the current members of a group and a database6374 for storing information associated with group members. The groupadministrator 6370 may be configured to gather and track informationabout the online status of and services provided to current groupmembers. In one implementation, the group administrator 6370communicates with an IM server 6902 that monitors the online status andcapabilities of group members. The group administrator 6370 also may,for example, communicate with the OSP Host Complex 680 or the Internet665 to gather and track such information.

The group information updater 6380 cooperates with the groupcommunicator 6350 and the group administrator 6370 and is configured toperform all necessary processing to keep the information about thecurrent group members up to date. In one implementation, the groupinformation updater 6380 is configured to instruct the groupadministrator 6370 to update information associated with group members.

Referring to FIG. 7, a current member 702 a, a prospective member 702 b,and a host 704 interact according to a procedure 700 to shareinformation among members of a group. The current member 702 a and theprospective member 702 b are each associated with a user and typicallyhave attributes comparable to those described above with respect toclient devices 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, and 620 and/or clientcontrollers 125, 225, 325, 425, 525, and 625. The host 704 typically hasattributes comparable to those described above with respect to hostdevices 135, 235, 335, 435, 535, and 635 and/or host controllers 140,240, 340, 440, 540, and 640 in host systems 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and610. The host 704 may be directly or indirectly interconnected to theclient 702 a and the client 702 h through a known or described deliverynetwork. The procedure 700 may be implemented by any type of hardware,software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component,application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal.

There may be several different levels and types of groups. Examples ofgroups include, but are not limited to, family, friends, co-workers,classmates, teammates, affiliates, and the like. Subscribers may createand join several different groups. The group feature may be associatedwith and/or provided by different host complexes (e.g., Groups@AOL,Groups@CompuServe) and/or different web pages (e.g.,Groups@Netscape.com, Groups@CNN.com).

A group typically will be made up of a subset of the subscribers to thehost 704, but may include members who are not subscribers to the host704. To participate in a group, a subscriber must either create a newgroup and invite others to join, or enter a group to which thesubscriber has been invited. In one implementation, when a subscribercreates a group, the subscriber is considered the “founder” of thegroup. As the founder, the subscriber has the ability to remove membersand delete content. Any member can leave a group at any time afterjoining, but only the founder of a group can delete a group. When afounder leaves the group, the group must also be deleted. Alternatively,any group member may be provided with the same capabilities as thefounder, including the ability to remove members, delete content anddelete the group.

The founder can designate other group members to manage the group as“owners” of the group. A group owner is allowed to change settings(e.g., homepage group title or description) for the entire group, deleteand edit group and other member's content, invite prospective members,change member/owner status of any other member, send administrativee-mails as an owner, and even remove troublesome members. Group ownersare notified when there is an issue with member e-mail. If there arerepeated delivery difficulties or excessive unsolicited bulk mail—anindication of possible mail list abuse—a member may be temporarilysuspended from participating in the group mail list. The group owner mayopt to resume delivery, remove the member from the group or resolve theissue later.

To create a group, a subscriber enters attributes of the group to thehost 704 through a user interface displayed on a client device. Thegroup attributes may include, but are not limited to, a unique groupname, a description of the group, a time zone so that events areproperly timed, a group theme (e.g., Family, Friends, Activity Group),and a design style having a certain color schemes images that representmembers. The subscriber also may create a personal profile and make itavailable to other group members. The personal profile may includeinformation such as name, e-mail address, mailing address, phonenumbers, birthday (which shows up automatically in an events area), animage (e.g., photo, icon), a home page, and/or other personalinformation (e.g., quotes, messages).

Once the subscriber has created the group, the subscriber is consideredthe founder, an owner, and a member of the group. In one implementationdescribed in more detail below, any member of the group can extend aninvitation to a prospective member. In other implementations, however,the ability to invite prospective members may be limited only tofounders and/or owners of the group.

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, a current member 702 a sends to thehost 704 an instruction to invite at least one prospective member 702 bto join the group (step 705). In one implementation, the current member702 a presents a user interface to a subscriber for inputting a screenname or e-mail address associated with the prospective member 702 b. Inanother implementation, the current member 702 a sends an invitationwhen the right button of a computer mouse is clicked while pointing to ascreen name associated with a prospective member 702 b. The right clickcauses a menu of choices to appear. When an option from the menu to sendan e-mail message inviting the prospective member 702 b to join thegroup is selected, the current member 702 a automatically generates theinvitation.

The host 704 receives the instruction to invite the prospective member702 b (step 710) and in response sends an invitation to the prospectivemember 702 b to join the group (step 715). The invitation may be sentas, for example, an e-mail message, an instant message, a post in anonline chat room, or by other suitable communication. In oneimplementation, the group communicator 6350 receives the instruction andsends the invitation through at least one of the IM server 6902, theInternet 665, and/or other communications server 6360 (e.g., e-mailserver, chat sever, OSP buddy server).

The prospective member 702 b receives the invitation to join the group(step 720) and sends to the host 704 a response to the invitation (step725). In one implementation, the invitation includes a hyperlink tofacilitate joining the group, a personal welcoming message, and/or alist of current group members. When the hyper-link contained in theinvitation is clicked, the prospective member 720 b sends an affirmativeconfirmation message indicating the prospective member's desire to jointhe group and links to the group web site. The response may be sent as,for example, an e-mail message, an instant message, a post in an on-linechat room, or other suitable communication. The response may beaffirmative, indicating the prospective member's desire to join thegroup, or the response may be negative, indicating the prospectivemember's desire not to join the group. If no response is sent, the lackof a response may be deemed to be a negative response after anappropriate length of time has passed. Alternatively, the lack of aresponse may be deemed to be a positive response after an appropriatelength of time has passed.

The host 704 receives the response from the prospective member 702 b(step 730) and notifies the sender of the response (step 735). In oneimplementation, the group communicator 6350 receives and notes theresponse to the invitation from the prospective member 702 b. The groupcommunicator 6350 then sends a notification to the current member basedon the response. If the response from the prospective member isnegative, the group communicator 6350 informs the current member thatthe prospective member 702 b has declined the invitation. If, on theother hand, the response from the prospective member 702 b isaffirmative (i.e., the invitation is accepted), the host 704 adds theprospective member 702 b to the group (step 740) and providesautomatically updated services to current members of the group (step745).

The automatically updated services provided to current members of thegroup by the host 704 include, but are not limited to, providing aprivate group website, a list of current group members, a shared buddylist, a shared address book, shared member profiles, a shared calendar,a shared map, a shared message board, a private on-line forum forcurrent group members to chat with one another, a shared list offavorite sites, a shared photo gallery, and/or any other type of shareddata files. New automatically updated services based upon the currentgroup members may be offered. For example, enhanced services based onthe equipment capabilities of the group members may be offered when atleast some group members upgrade hardware and/or software.

The private group website is accessible only to members. Typically, eachmember will be prompted for the group name and a password to enter. Thegroup website may have text, images, audio, and video informationrelated to the group and also may include hyper-links to other areas andservices of interest to group members. A list of current group membersmay be displayed on the website or accessed by a hyperlink. The listalso may indicate the online status of each group member, note the lasttime a particular member visited the site, and include short cut ways tocommunicate with group members (e.g., right click to e-mail or instantmessage).

In addition to other elements, the shared buddy list includes, thescreen names of group members to facilitate instant messagingcommunication. In general, a subscriber's buddy list is a user interfacethat lists the online status and capabilities of certain screen names,i.e., “buddies,” identified by the subscriber. In particular, the buddylist interfaces with the host 704 to identify which buddies are online,i.e., currently accessing the host 704. The buddy list also facilitatesinstant messaging communication between subscribers. A subscriber canactivate an instant messaging message window pre-addressed to a buddysimply by clicking the screen name of a buddy on the buddy list.Otherwise, the subscriber must activate and address a blank instantmessaging window. When necessary, a subscriber can look up the screenname of an intended recipient using the intended recipient's e-mailaddress or other identifying information.

The shared address book may contain information about group membersincluding, but not limited to, names, addresses (e.g., residential orbusiness), e-mail addresses, instant messaging screen names, telephonenumbers, comments, home page address, and/or any other personalinformation. The shared personal profile of a group member may includeonly that personal information desired by the member to be shared withthe group or the Internet community at large.

The shared calendar may contain information about group membersincluding, but not limited to, events, appointments, anniversaries,birthdays, holidays, and/or any other designated date. Group members mayreceive invitations and/or reminders about important dates (e.g. aninvitation to attend an event).

The shared map may contain information including, but not limited to,home and work locations of members, the current locations of members, ameeting place, an event location, or any other designated area. Drivingdirections to and from locations also may be provided.

The shared message board provides a way for group members to postthoughts, messages, and/or comments for subsequent viewers. After a postis made, the group member may be prompted to e-mail or instant messagethe post to some or all group members. The private on-line forum allowsgroup members to chat with one another. Group members may view who is inthe chat room, invite absent members to attend the chat session,coordinate a time to visit the chat room, and/or engage in a spontaneouschat session with some or all other members visiting the group website.

The shared list of favorite sites may include, but is not limited to,group related websites, favorite websites of members, and/or any otherInternet site. Group members also may post recommendations and/oropinions about certain links to web sites, music, books, movies, and thelike. The shared photo gallery may include individual photographs oralbums of photographs online. Group members may download and/or orderprints of the images. Current members also may share data files of anyother type including, but not limited to, text files, audio files, imagefiles, video files, and/or multi-media files.

The shared information associated with the automatically updatedservices is stored on the host system 610. In one implementation, thehost system 610 includes a group administrator 6370 having a groupmember profile server 6372 and a database 6374 for storing informationassociated with group members. The group member profile server 6372enters, updates, retrieves, store, edits, manipulates, or otherwiseprocesses information stored in the database 6374. The sharedinformation associated with the automatically updated services may bestored in the database 6374 by group and/or by individual subscriber.For example, information associated with a particular subscriber mayinclude, but is not limited to, a personal profile, a buddy list, anaddress book, a calendar, a list of favorite sites, group memberships,and/or any other user preference.

The information associated with the automatically updated servicestypically will be provided to current members based upon informationentered by at least one current member of the group. Group information,however, may be entered or supplemented by a person or a system outsideof the group.

In one implementation, upon receiving an affirmative response from theprospective member 702 b, the group communicator 6350 instructs thegroup information updater 6380 to add the prospective member to thegroup. The group information updater 6380 updates the list of currentmembers and adds the prospective member to the current members of thegroup. The group information updater 6380 then communicates the additionof the prospective member to the group administrator 6370 and instructsthe group administrator to update the group member information. In oneimplementation, the group information updater 6380 communicates with thegroup administrator 6370 through gateways 685, 695.

The group administrator 6370 receives the notification and instructionregarding the updated group membership and in response updates theinformation associated with members of the group. In one implementation,the group member profile server 6372 accesses the information stored inthe database 6374 and populates the storage space associated with themembers of the group with updated information. For example, a buddy listassociated with a current group member 702 b will be populated with thescreen names of all the current members of the group, including thescreen names of the prospective members that have accepted aninvitation. The buddy list of a group member is updated by adding screennames of new members and deleting screen names of former members. Duringan instant messaging session, the group member is in constantcommunication with the IM server 6902. The IM server, in turn, is inconstant communication with the group member profile server 6372 andautomatically updates the group members buddy list when a change to agroup is made.

As shown in FIG. 8, a UI 800 illustrates an example of how theprospective member 702 b may be invited to join a Buddy List group by acurrent member 702 a. The UI 800 presented to the prospective member 702b includes the name of the group 805 and the current members of thegroup 810. The UT 800 provides buttons or other suitable graphical toolsto allow the prospective member 702 b to accept the invitation 815 or toreject the invitation 820. As an alternative to a button, a hyperlink, apull-down menu, a popup menu, or another graphical tool may be used toallow the prospective member 702 b to respond to the invitation.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

1. A computer-implemented method comprising: maintaining, in a storagedevice, a group of instant messaging participants that has a membershipthat includes at least one instant messaging participant selected forinclusion in the group by a founding instant messaging identity, thegroup being founded by the founding instant messaging identity;enabling, with at least one processor, a display of an instant messagingparticipant list that reflects online profile information for otherinstant messaging identities included in the instant messagingparticipant list and enables the founding instant messaging identity toinitiate instant messaging sessions with the other instant messagingidentities included in the instant messaging participant list, thedisplayed instant messaging participant list including a representationof the group of instant messaging participants that reflects themembership of the group of instant messaging participants; in responseto the founding instant messaging identity adding a new member to themembership of the group of instant messaging participants, automaticallyadding a representation of the new member to the displayedrepresentation of the group of instant messaging participants on thedisplayed instant messaging participant list; and enabling members ofthe group of instant messaging participants to initiate instantmessaging sessions with the other instant messaging identities,including the new member, included in the group of instant messagingparticipants; wherein the founding instant messaging identity is theonly member authorized to add members to or delete members from thegroup of instant messaging participants.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising: in response to receiving a request to invite a newinstant messaging participant to join the group of instant messagingparticipants, transmitting an electronic invitation to join the group ofinstant messaging participants to the new instant messaging participant;receiving, from the new instant messaging participant, an indication ofan acceptance of the invitation to join the group of instant messagingparticipants; and in response to receiving the indication of theacceptance of the invitation to join the group of instant messagingparticipants, adding the new instant messaging participant to the groupof instant messaging participants.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: in response to receiving a request to invite a new instantmessaging participant to join the group of instant messagingparticipants from a member of the group of instant messagingparticipants, determining if the member of the group of instantmessaging participants is authorized to invite instant messagingparticipants to join the group of instant messaging participants; andtransmitting an electronic invitation to join the group of instantmessaging participants to the new instant messaging participant onlyafter determining that the member of the group of instant messagingparticipants is authorized to invite instant messaging participants tojoin the group of instant messaging participants.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein the electronic invitation is transmitted in the form of ahyperlink displayed within an email or a web-based interface.
 5. Themethod of claim 3, further comprising: in response to receiving arequest to remove an existing instant messaging participant from amember of the group of instant messaging participants, removing theexisting instant messaging participant from the group of instantmessaging participants, wherein: determining that an existing member hasbeen removed from the group of instant messaging participants includesdetermining that the existing instant messaging participant has beenremoved from the group of instant messaging participants, andautomatically deleting a displayed representation of the existing memberfrom the representation of the group of instant messaging participantson the displayed instant messaging participant list includesautomatically deleting a displayed representation of the existinginstant messaging participant from the representation of the group ofinstant messaging participants on the displayed instant messagingparticipant list.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising:determining if the member of the group of instant messaging participantsis authorized to remove instant messaging participants from the group ofinstant messaging participants, wherein removing the existing instantmessaging participant from the group of instant messaging participantsincludes removing the existing instant messaging participant from thegroup of instant messaging participants only after determining that themember of the group of instant messaging participants is authorized toremove instant messaging participants from the group of instantmessaging participants.
 7. A system comprising: a processing device; anda memory storage device that stores instructions that, when executed bythe processing device, cause the processing device to: maintain a groupof instant messaging participants that has a membership that includes atleast one instant messaging participant selected for inclusion in thegroup by a founding instant messaging identity, the group being foundedby the founding instant messaging identity; enable a display of aninstant messaging participant list that reflects online profileinformation for other instant messaging identities included in theinstant messaging participant list and enables the founding instantmessaging identity to initiate instant messaging sessions with the otherinstant messaging identities included in the instant messagingparticipant list, the displayed instant messaging participant listincluding a representation of the group of instant messagingparticipants that reflects the membership of the group of instantmessaging participants; in response to the founding instant messagingidentity adding a new member to the membership of the group of instantmessaging participants, automatically add a representation of the newmember to the displayed representation of the group of instant messagingparticipants on the displayed instant messaging participant list; andenable members of the group of instant messaging participants toinitiate instant messaging sessions with the other instant messagingidentities, including the new member, included in the group of instantmessaging participants; wherein the founding instant messaging identityis the only member authorized to add members to or delete members fromthe group of instant messaging participants.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the processing device is further configured to: in response toreceiving a request to invite a new instant messaging participant tojoin the group of instant messaging participants, transmit an electronicinvitation to join the group of instant messaging participants to thenew instant messaging participant; receive, from the new instantmessaging participant, an indication of an acceptance of the invitationto join the group of instant messaging participants; and in response toreceiving the indication of the acceptance of the invitation to join thegroup of instant messaging participants, add the new instant messagingparticipant to the group of instant messaging participants.
 9. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the processing device is further configuredto: in response to receiving a request to invite a new instant messagingparticipant to join the group of instant messaging participants from amember of the group of instant messaging participants, determine if themember of the group of instant messaging participants is authorized toinvite instant messaging participants to join the group of instantmessaging participants; and transmit an electronic invitation to jointhe group of instant messaging participants to the new instant messagingparticipant only after determining that the member of the group ofinstant messaging participants is authorized to invite instant messagingparticipants to join the group of instant messaging participants. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein the electronic invitation is transmittedin the form of a hyperlink displayed within an email or a web-basedinterface.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the processing device isfurther configured to: in response to receiving a request to remove anexisting instant messaging participant from a member of the group ofinstant messaging participants, remove the existing instant messagingparticipant from the group of instant messaging participants, wherein:determining that an existing member has been removed from the group ofinstant messaging participants includes determining that the existinginstant messaging participant has been removed from the group of instantmessaging participants, and automatically deleting a displayedrepresentation of the existing member from the representation of thegroup of instant messaging participants on the displayed instantmessaging participant list includes automatically deleting a displayedrepresentation of the existing instant messaging participant from therepresentation of the group of instant messaging participants on thedisplayed instant messaging participant list.
 12. The system of claim11, wherein the processing device is further configured to: determine ifthe member of the group of instant messaging participants is authorizedto remove instant messaging participants from the group of instantmessaging participants, wherein removing the existing instant messagingparticipant from the group of instant messaging participants includesremoving the existing instant messaging participant from the group ofinstant messaging participants only after determining that the member ofthe group of instant messaging participants is authorized to removeinstant messaging participants from the group of instant messagingparticipants.
 13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring instructions that, when executed by at least one processor,cause the at least one processor to: maintain a group of instantmessaging participants that has a membership that includes at least oneinstant messaging participant selected for inclusion in the group by afounding instant messaging identity, the group being founded by thefounding instant messaging identity; enable a display of an instantmessaging participant list that reflects online profile information forother instant messaging identities included in the instant messagingparticipant list and enables the founding instant messaging identity toinitiate instant messaging sessions with the other instant messagingidentities included in the instant messaging participant list, thedisplayed instant messaging participant list including a representationof the group of instant messaging participants that reflects themembership of the group of instant messaging participants; in responseto the founding instant messaging identity adding a new member to themembership of the group of instant messaging participants, automaticallyadd a representation of the new member to the displayed representationof the group of instant messaging participants on the displayed instantmessaging participant list; and enable members of the group of instantmessaging participants to initiate instant messaging sessions with theother instant messaging identities, including the new member, includedin the group of instant messaging participants; wherein the foundinginstant messaging identity is the only member authorized to add membersto or delete members from the group of instant messaging participants.14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: in responseto receiving a request to invite a new instant messaging participant tojoin the group of instant messaging participants, transmit an electronicinvitation to join the group of instant messaging participants to thenew instant messaging participant; receive, from the new instantmessaging participant, an indication of an acceptance of the invitationto join the group of instant messaging participants; and in response toreceiving the indication of the acceptance of the invitation to join thegroup of instant messaging participants, add the new instant messagingparticipant to the group of instant messaging participants.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein theat least one processor is further configured to: in response toreceiving a request to invite a new instant messaging participant tojoin the group of instant messaging participants from a member of thegroup of instant messaging participants, determine if the member of thegroup of instant messaging participants is authorized to invite instantmessaging participants to join the group of instant messagingparticipants; and transmit an electronic invitation to join the group ofinstant messaging participants to the new instant messaging participantonly after determining that the member of the group of instant messagingparticipants is authorized to invite instant messaging participants tojoin the group of instant messaging participants.
 16. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the electronicinvitation is transmitted in the form of a hyperlink displayed within anemail or a web-based interface.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor isfurther configured to: in response to receiving a request to remove anexisting instant messaging participant from a member of the group ofinstant messaging participants, remove the existing instant messagingparticipant from the group of instant messaging participants, wherein:determining that an existing member has been removed from the group ofinstant messaging participants includes determining that the existinginstant messaging participant has been removed from the group of instantmessaging participants, and automatically deleting a displayedrepresentation of the existing member from the representation of thegroup of instant messaging participants on the displayed instantmessaging participant list includes automatically deleting a displayedrepresentation of the existing instant messaging participant from therepresentation of the group of instant messaging participants on thedisplayed instant messaging participant list.
 18. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the at least oneprocessor is further configured to: determine if the member of the groupof instant messaging participants is authorized to remove instantmessaging participants from the group of instant messaging participants,wherein removing the existing instant messaging participant from thegroup of instant messaging participants includes removing the existinginstant messaging participant from the group of instant messagingparticipants only after determining that the member of the group ofinstant messaging participants is authorized to remove instant messagingparticipants from the group of instant messaging participants.